Nottingham Trent University
nearmejobs.eu
Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) manage projects worth trillions of pounds worldwide, addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges (Kang’ethe & Chivanga, 2015; Miković et al., 2020). NPO project managers however face significant challenges including managing diverse stakeholder involvement, inconsistent funding, and the difficulty of measuring intangible outcomes (Brajer-Marczak et al., 2021; Golini & Landoni, 2014; Awad, 2021) which tend to be overlooked by existing project management tools and research (Oyekunle & Anibaloye, 2024).
The disconnect between nonprofit project needs and available project management tools
could be due to the rigidity of existing project management frameworks, including PMBOK and PRINCE2, causing them to be poorly suited for the unpredictable funding cycles and diverse stakeholder needs of nonprofits (Ebrahim, 2005; Oyekunle & Anibaloye, 2024; Rosenberg et al., 2008).
NPOs also face other inefficiencies in project management resulting from inconsistent management and leadership structures, which inevitably leads to resource misallocation and project delays (Ford-Byrd, 2021; Mols, 2021; Schizer, 2020). As a result, studies (Angulo et al., 2024; Asad & Kay, 2014; Golini et al., 2018) highlight the need to adapt project management practices to better fit the complexities of nonprofit projects.
Proposals should address these gaps by developing a hybrid project management framework specifically designed for nonprofits or social impact projects, tailored to their unique, often volatile, nonprofit environment. The framework could focus on real-time adaptability, stakeholder alignment, and or impact assessment for the following reasons.
-According to Awad (2021), real-time adaptability tools could support nonprofits in responding swiftly to funding or resource changes, addressing the uncertainty that often complicates long-term planning.
-Stakeholder alignment mechanisms can help manage the diverse needs of donors, beneficiaries, and partners, improving communication and engagement (Brajer-Marczak et al., 2021).
-Impact and sustainability metrics can enable nonprofits to demonstrate their social value effectively, crucial for securing ongoing support (Golini & Landoni, 2014; Keleckaite & Meiliene, 2015).
The hybrid framework would aim to bridge the gap between traditional project management methodologies and nonprofit needs, promoting efficiency, reducing resource wastage, and ultimately increasing social impact.
Nottingham Business School is triple crown accredited with EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA – the highest international benchmarks for business education. It has also been ranked by the Financial Times for its Executive Education programmes in 2023 and 2024. NBS is one of only 47 global business schools recognised as a PRME Champion, and held up as an exemplar by the United Nations of Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Its purpose is to provide research and education that combines academic excellence with positive impact on people, business and society. As a world leader in experiential learning and personalisation, joining NBS as a researcher is an opportunity to achieve your potential.
Applications for October 2025 intake closes on 1st July 2025 and applications for Jan 2026 intake closes on 1st October 2025.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email – cover/motivation letter where (nearmejobs.eu) you saw this posting.